The invitation-only lecture will be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Birdcage Walk, London, on October 9. Mr Abbott will follow John Howard who addressed the foundation’s lecture in 2013 with a speech “One religion is enough”.

The foundation is chaired by former Thatcher government treasurer Lord Nigel Lawson.

The foundation is one of the world’s most active groups promoting debate about the state of climate change science.

It republishes articles and mat­erial both supportive and against the mainstream science view and commissions research on climate change-related issues.

The foundation is funded by private donations and does not accept gifts from energy companies or anyone with a significant interest in an energy company.

Mr Abbott’s spokeswoman said the trip would be privately funded by the foundation